A Guide to Cat Care
The cat ( Felis catus), also known as the domestic cat, is a domesticated species of small, carnivorous mammal. It is currently the only domesticated animal in the feline family, the Felidae, and is recognized legally as such by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Recognized as a protected species in many parts of the world, it is currently listed as an endangered species in the states of Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah.
The domestic cat was developed from a ancestor of today’s domestic cat, which was probably a feral ancestor of the Neapolitan cat of ancient Italy. Strains of history have placed it at various times in history between ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times. By the fifth century, it had become a favorite pet among Christians, who regarded it as a symbol of protection against evil spirits. From that time on, it has played an important role in European culture and society, both as a symbol of friendship and as a source of pride for those who know its history. Today, it enjoys widespread popularity as a companion, house pet, and even as a sport.
Despite the fact that it enjoys a wide variety of social and emotional interactions with humans, the cat does require, however, certain basic care to remain healthy. Providing a cat with a comfortable home and nutritious food is an essential part of cat care. Providing water that is free of chlorine and lead is also essential. Bathing should be performed on a regular basis and a coat should always be groomed, so that the cat’s fur will not become matted. Taking appropriate care of your cat is important in order to keep it happy and healthy, and to help prevent illness from afflicting it.
Since the cat has low activity levels and spends most of its time resting, providing it with a cat bed can help to improve its ability to get exercise. A cat enclosure provides a safe place for the cat to rest, and to curl up when it wants to go to sleep. This is also an excellent place for you to read or do other activities that do not require physical contact with your pet. A cat enclosure and cat bed also give your cat the opportunity to socialize with other animals and people.
Proper cat care involves knowing what your cat needs and when. For example, a cat that has been raised on a cat diet, but has been taken to a veterinarian because of feline diabetes, will need to be modified to meet the dietary requirements of a diabetic cat. Likewise, if your cat is suffering from arthritis, the cat care needs to be adjusted to accommodate this condition. In addition, your vet will need to know about any previous health issues such as feline leukemia or lymphoma that your cat may have had. This information will allow your vet to correctly assess the health of your cat.
The right cat care program will allow you to have a happy, healthy cat that is disease free for many years. Remember, all cats can be treated if their problems are diagnosed early. All you have to do is learn about the various conditions that your cat could have, and devise a health plan that works best for your cat.